UNDP Representation Office in Brussels

UNDP-EU Partnership Report: Towards a Life of Dignity for All – 10 years of UNDP-EU Strategic Partnership

Launched on 19 Feb 2014

Report Summary

The UNDP Brussels Office has produced a first-ever report on the partnership between UNDP and EU. The report is presented at the occasion of the 10th year anniversary of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between UNDP and EU, which was jointly signed in 2004. The report presents the context, rationale and added value of the partnership; takes stock of achievements in the last decade (2004-2013); and discusses the opportunities and challenges for the partnership in the future, framed in the context of a changing world.

This report demonstrates how UNDP and the EU are natural partners, sharing the same values and objectives for advancing peace and security, human rights and development. A guiding principle of the partnership is the joint effort to help countries eradicate poverty and achieve the MDGs.

In financial terms, in the last decade, the EU has provided EUR 3.3 billion to UNDP’s activities in 115 countries (many more if including also regional and global programmes) through the signature of around 800 contracts.

Some highlights from the UNDP-EU partnership in 2004-2013

We worked in 98 countries advancing good governance, contributing to deepening democracy and more inclusive societies.

We supported 53 countries with their electoral cycle, contributing to strengthened national capacities and national ownership of the process, free and fair elections, and the increased participation of women, both as voters and as candidates in the elections.

Over 70 countries, out of which over 30 fragile countries, received support to prevent and recover from crisis.

We helped 28 countries be better prepared for natural disasters, preventing loss of lives and material damage. In addition, we helped countries ‘build back better’ to ensure better resilience against future disasters.

Within the framework of the Poverty Environment Initiative, that supports 24 countries across several regions, the partnership has helped countries in their efforts to mainstream poverty-environment linkages into national development planning.

In the area of climate change, the partnership supports 25 countries to carry out nationally driven climate change mitigation actions.

We are at a very important moment in modern history, an inflection point, meaning that things are going to be very different in the future than they have been in the past. First, the role that developing countries play in the world – in the economy, science, technology, politics, culture – is changing dramatically. Their importance and influence, which is rising rapidly already, will increase greatly.